Therapy Dog Training, helping the sick

On the basis of the definition of a dog therapy is one that is specifically trained to provide affection, companionship and comfort for people in medical facilities, mental institutions, nursing and rest homes. The concept of using therapy dogs to assist the comfort and the recovery of patients was started in England during the 1970 's by an American nurse who was working in the US healthcare system. Brought to America, Elaine Smith started the first formal program for therapy dog training. It wasn't long before that the beneficial effects of therapy dogs was recognized. Medical professionals observed stress reduction, lowering of blood pressure and positive attitudes of patients who has spent time with the therapy dogs is increased. This resulted in an increase in demand for therapy dogs and therapy of quality dog training.

Unlike other services or working dogs, therapy dogs do not provide direct assistance to a person in need. Dog's primary Role is to allow physical contact with strangers. The dog should really enjoy this contact without fear or aggression. Often the dog will come into contact with people in wheelchairs or hospital equipment related. The dog must be comfortable being around this equipment, especially if makes sounds unusual. Children are another challenge for therapy dogs. It is not uncommon for a child run and hug a dog and unless the dog is trained properly respond inappropriately. The dog will most likely experience petting, being provided or leaped and resuming.Probably the most important to dog therapy can have is a temperament also low key. no amount of therapy dog training will temperment and personality of a dog.

Almost any breed dog can be a candidate for therapy dog training. The race is important not nearly as individual personality traits of the dog. The best are friendly dogs, love people, well socialized with both people and animals, gentle and very at ease in the crowded and noisy situations. A good therapy dog candidate must also have completed basic obedience training. The dog must heel, walk on a loose leash, be able to be managed and worked from a stranger, respond immediately to come, largo, whoa, sit, stay and down commands.Formal Therapy training dog will require different field trips to various structures that use and therapy dogs welcome. Trainers looking for any signs of aggression, fear or antisocial behaviour.Since most people that dogs will come into contact with are relatively helpless no indication of problems quickly will disqualify the future therapy dog training dog.

Owning and properly employing a well-trained dog therapy will bring a great satisfaction to its owner. Therapy dog training not only improve the quality of your dog but also provide a higher quality of life of people sick, lonely, elderly and sick. If you have a dog that meets the basic qualifications and the quality to become a dog therapy then contact a qualified trainer. completion of therapy dog training opens a new world for both the dog and its owner.